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Ms Theedom said that the charity was initially told it faced having council funding completely cut. Even now at least 30 per cent could still be taken away.

In 2010 the government removed 'ring-fencing', which guaranteed a level of social care funding, including money for HIV services. It meant local authorities were allowed to cut funding and spend the money elsewhere.

According to the charity, the number of people in Bristol living with HIV jumped to 2.07 per 1,000 residents in 2014.

That number rose to 2.14 per 1,000 people in 2016, according to Public Health England. In a city with Bristol's population of 449,300, that represents 961 people.

The number of young, gay men with HIV is increasing, while infection rates of people over 60 are also on the rise, Brigstowe said.

The charity continues to fundraise to cover its costs, including the Red Run on November 26 – a 5km or 10km run in London. It costs £15 to enter and Brigstowe will organise a coach to the capital. You can contact Brigstowe here for more information.

Bristol City Council is currently holding a public consultation on supporting people cuts on its website, which runs until September 13 and includes eight consultation events.